The tragic case of Alexia Treviso, a New Mexico teenager accused of murdering her newborn son, has sent shockwaves across the nation. However, Treviso’s attorney, Gary Mitchell, argues that his client was unaware of her pregnancy and that medical malpractice at Artesia General Hospital may have contributed to the baby’s death.
A Shocking Discovery in a Hospital Bathroom
On January 27th, 19-year-old Alexia Treviso was admitted to Artesia General Hospital for severe back and abdominal pain. Treviso, a high school senior on the cusp of graduation, reportedly rated her pain level as a 10 out of 10. After Treviso used a hospital bathroom, a staff member made a horrific discovery: a newborn baby concealed within a trash bag inside the trash can.
Treviso’s Attorney Alleges Medical Negligence
Gary Mitchell, Treviso’s attorney, asserts that his client was completely unaware of her pregnancy and was taken aback when she gave birth. He claims that Treviso had been using birth control and attributes her lack of awareness to the fact that she had been rigorously working out with her cheerleading team earlier in the day, leading to dehydration.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Mitchell states that Treviso was administered a cocktail of medications, including Zofran, sodium chloride, and morphine. He argues that these medications, some of which are potentially harmful to a fetus, were administered without determining whether or not Treviso was pregnant, a crucial oversight in his opinion.
Mitchell further contends that although hospital staff eventually became aware of Treviso’s pregnancy, they failed to inform her before she went to the bathroom unattended. He posits that she should have been under close monitoring during this time, given the circumstances.
Conflicting Autopsy Results and the Question of Intent
Adding another layer of complexity to the case is the autopsy report. While the Office of the Medical Investigator concluded that the baby’s death was inconsistent with a stillbirth, citing the presence of air in the lungs, Mitchell disputes these findings. He plans to engage an independent expert to review the autopsy results, expressing skepticism about the reliability of the initial report.
When questioned about Treviso’s actions of placing the baby in the trash can, Mitchell declined to elaborate, citing the need to protect his client’s defense strategy. He hinted that there might be more to the story and that people would be “very pleased” with Treviso’s actions once the full picture emerged.
Legal Battles and the Specter of a Lengthy Sentence
Treviso currently faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. If convicted, she could face life imprisonment. Mitchell remains confident that his client will be acquitted, maintaining that she is innocent and a victim of medical negligence.
He draws a clear distinction between Treviso’s case and a similar case involving Alexis Avila, another New Mexico teenager who received a lengthy prison sentence for throwing her baby in a dumpster. Mitchell emphasizes that Avila was aware that her baby was alive, while Treviso was not.
Unanswered Questions and the Path Forward
As the legal proceedings continue, many questions remain unanswered. Did Artesia General Hospital fail in its duty of care to Alexia Treviso? Was the newborn’s death a tragic consequence of medical negligence, or are there other factors at play?
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both Treviso’s future and the protocols of Artesia General Hospital.
